Hi guys,

Thank you for a wonderful & informative site!

I need some quick guidance please. I have to admit that I’ve read many threads regarding mics but still need some quick answers. My employer is breathing down my neck to start making some cash with the expensive equipment he’s bought me. I now have to get mics + the MA200.

From everything I’ve read I’ve got the following questions, your help would once again be highly appreciated:

1. The MA200 seems the best option for external mic setup, giving more input features later. Is it a better shoulder mount than the standard one on the XL1s?
2. We need to film some corporate stuff as well as documentaries in the bush. I now have to decide on a lavaliere or shotgun (for fishpole mounting) to record my actors & other stuff? Which is better?
3. I read this thread from Steve Thompson:

“I threw away my Azden WR-22 system (yes...threw it away) and purchased the following setup:

· 3- Azden 311-LT True Diversity Table Top receivers with lapel mics and rack mount brackets @ $215 each
· Gemini Power Conditioner @ $59.95
· Behringer MX602A Mixer @ $59.95
· Raxxess 3 Space Slider Drawer @ $69.95
· Gator Rack Mount Case @ $89.00

I divided the drawer into 2 sections using a piece of plywood. The mixer is on 1 side and all my mics, cabling, batteries are kept in the other side. Whenever I do a wedding, I simply place the Gator case on a table in the rear of the church, wire the audio into Camera, and have yet to get any static. My mics are placed on the Groom, the Priest, and the podium where the readings are being read."

Is there a complete package (i.e. wireless, lavaliere, receiver etc.) I could buy?
4. Where is a good place to purchase such items? They would have to ship to South Africa though.
5. Any other microphone information you think necessary for a newbie.

Thank you again for all the help!

Jean Kichenbrand

1. The MA200 seems the best option for external mic setup, giving more input features later. Is it a better shoulder mount than the standard one on the XL1s?

You will probably have to get the MA400 since I think the MA200 is out of production. I believe the MA400 is a better unit than the MA200 anyway.

2. We need to film some corporate stuff as well as documentaries in the bush. I now have to decide on a lavaliere or shotgun (for fishpole mounting) to record my actors & other stuff? Which is better?

Right tool for the right job. I wish I had someone with a fishpole on a number of shoots since it would have worked better than a lav. However, there are plenty of times a lav is the only way to go.

Is there a complete package (i.e. wireless, lavaliere, receiver etc.) I could buy?

DVinfo sponsors can probably help you there. Since you can go with a table top system you might want to look at Sennheiser Evolution 500 system or some Lectsonic. If really portable wireless is desired try Sennheiser Evolution 100 or 300 systems.

5. Any other microphone information you think necessary for a newbie.

Cruise the Internet and links from DVinfo.net. There are a number of really great websites dealing with audio.

What is the MA400?

Canon still lists the MA100 and MA200 on the canondv web site. as XL1s accessories.

I have only ever seen MA400 listed on a site...I believe XL1s Watchdog...as a theoretical adapter...ie one for the future that people would have as their 'dream' adapter. I just got MA-200 from Optex here in UK and its on their site as only model with MA-100 (2 XLR) and MA-200 (4 XLR).

So is there a MA-400??? cos i havent seen one..

Here's the sites of MA400 ideas:

http://www.dvinfo.net/canon/images/images16.php

Looks pretty sweet, but no doubt if realised bet it would cost a tonne!!

That is not a real announced product, at least not at this point in time. It is a users wish/suggstion item. Looks like it would be a US$600 or so item if offered.

I got confused about the numbers. I thought the MA200 was the low end item and forgot the first one was the MA100. Oh well. I won't tell you my teenagers told me since I think that's kind of crude.

Anyway, that just means the MA200 is not a bad choice.